Column: Geyer’s closure an opportunity for Galion

After serving the community for more than 40 years, the owners of Galion’s only 24-hour grocery were unable to keep their doors open.

It’s a loss for the community.

It’s a larger loss for Galionites unable to make the drive to Ontario, Mansfield, Bucyrus or Marion to shop at larger, more competitive and more diverse supermarkets.

But it’s also an opportunity.

In recent years, this community has taken a lot of steps forward.

Area residents are re-investing in Galion. Outsiders have chosen to invest in Galion, especially in the Portland Way/Ohio 598 area.

This is another opportunity for someone, or some group, or some company to invest in this community.

There is definitely a need in Galion.

There also is a will to get a grocery or supermarket here.

And in this community, where there is will, there is usually a way.

Still, Geyer’s demise is sad. It’s another sign of changing times and changing habits.

I don’t blame the owners of Geyer’s. I don’t blame city officials.

Geyer’s owners hoped to stay open. They tried to find a buyer for their store.

No one should be surprised by the closure. If you didn’t see this coming, you’ve had blinders on.

There are a a lot of groceries and supermarkets to choose from these days. And the larger them come, the better their buying power, which means they can sell things at a better price than smaller grocers.

Competition is good for customers.

It’s not always good for small business owners.

Small grocers rely on customer service, local product (if available), familiarity, community pride and customer loyalty.

Geyer’s had all those thing. But sometimes, it’s not enough.

I’ve lived in Galion much of my life.

When I grew up, my family shopped almost daily at Summit Street Carryout. By bike, it was about a 120-second trip. We bought soup, milk, cheese and a lot of luncheon meet there. I don’t see a lot of 10- or 12-year-old shopping by themselves anymore. My brothers and I did that daily.